Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Principles of genetic technology

Principles of genetic technology — practice question

Fig. 3.1 illustrates a way of producing monoclonal antibodies.
(a(i))[1]

Name the method used to produce monoclonal antibodies.

(a(ii))[2]

Describe what the term monoclonal antibody means.

(a(iii))[3]

Describe, in detail, the molecular structure of one of the antibodies made in step 6. You may want to use an annotated diagram in your answer.

(b(i))[2]

Suggest why cells with this gene mutation are unable to grow in a culture medium containing HAT.

(b(ii))[2]

Explain why the mutant myeloma cells are able to grow in a culture medium containing HAT once they have been fused with mouse spleen cells (steps 3 and 4).

(b(iii))[2]

Suggest why growing the fused cells in a culture medium containing HAT (step 4) is an important part of the procedure shown in Fig. 3.1.

(b)

The mutant myeloma cells used in step 2 are myeloma cells with a gene mutation that stops them from growing in a culture medium containing hypoxanthine, aminopterin and thymidine (HAT).

(c)[4]

Suggest advantages of using monoclonal antibodies in pregnancy testing.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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